Communications interface system for landscape control systems

ABSTRACT

A communications interface system includes a housing and one or more removable components. The removable components can include one or more removable communications module configured to facilitate communication between the interface system and one or more other communications or control systems. A facepack can be removably coupled with the housing. The facepack can include one or more displays and/or user input structures.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to communications systems for landscapecontrol systems. Landscape control systems can be used as part ofirrigation systems and/or lighting systems, among other applications.

Description of the Related Art

Many parts of the world lack sufficient rainfall at different times ofthe year to maintain the health of turf and landscaping. Further, manyvenues utilize indoor and/or outdoor lighting systems requiring controlsystems. Some typical landscape control systems comprise programmablecontrollers that turn irrigation valves and/or light fixtures ON andOFF.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present disclosure, a communications module for alandscape control communications system can include a housing. Thehousing can include a first end, a second end, and a plurality of sidesbetween the first end and the second end. The communications module caninclude a communication unit on or in the housing. The communicationunit can be configured to send data to or receive data from an externaldata source. In some cases, the communications module includes a firstlocking member at a first side of the plurality of sides. The firstlocking member can be configured to releasably engage with a portion ofa communications interface system. In some cases, the communicationsmodule includes a second locking member at a second side of theplurality of sides. The second locking member can have a releasedposition and a locking position to connect the communications module toa communications interface system. In some embodiments, the secondlocking member is biased to the locking position. The communicationsmodule can include a release member positioned on the housing. Therelease member can be configured to transition the second locking memberbetween the released position and the locking position. In some cases,the release member comprises a lever hingedly connected to a surface ofthe housing. The lever can be configured to transition the secondlocking member to the released configuration when the lever is rotatedwith respect to the housing.

In some embodiments, the communications module includes a circuit boardwithin the housing. In some cases, the communications module includes agrounding member at the first side of the housing. The grounding membercan be connected to the circuit board. In some cases the groundingmember is a metallic plate extending from the first side of the housingbetween a top side of the housing and the first locking member. In someembodiments, the release member comprises a cam which moves the secondlocking member to the released position when the release member isrotated away from the housing. In some cases, the release membercomprises a hinged connection end and a free end, wherein the free endis biased toward the housing. In some embodiments, the communicationsmodule includes an electrical connector on the base configured toreleasably connect with an electrical connector in a communicationsinterface system. In some cases, a portion of the second locking memberextends out from the housing when the second locking member is in thelocking position. In some embodiments, the second locking membercomprises a bent portion, a locking arm extending from the bent portion,and a latch extending from the locking arm, wherein the latch protrudesfrom the housing when the second locking member is in the lockingposition and wherein the bent portion biases the latch toward thelocking position.

According to some variants, a communications interface system for alandscape control system can include an outer housing having a housingvolume. In some cases, the communications interface system has aremovable communications module. The removable communications module caninclude a module housing having a first end, a second end, and aplurality of surfaces between the first end and the second end. In somecases, the removable communications module includes a communication uniton or in the housing and configured to send data to or receive data froman external data source. The removable communications module can includea latch mechanism configured to transition between a lockingconfiguration and a released configuration, at least a portion of thelatch mechanism extending from a surface of the module housing when thelatch mechanism is in the locking configuration. In some embodiments,communications interface system includes a first retaining structure inthe housing volume capable of releasably mating with the communicationsmodule. In some cases, the communications interface system has a secondretaining structure spaced from the first retaining structure in thehousing volume and capable of releasably mating with the latchmechanism.

In some embodiments, the communications interface system includes a lockwall separating a first portion of the housing volume from a secondportion of the housing volume, wherein the second retaining structurecomprises an aperture or indentation in the lock wall. In some cases,the communications interface system includes an electrical connector inthe housing volume capable of releasably mating with an electricalconnector on the communications module. In some cases, thecommunications interface system includes a second lock wall, wherein thefirst retaining structure comprises an aperture in the second lock wall.The communications module can include a protrusion extending from one ofthe surfaces of the module housing and configured to releasably couplewith the aperture in the second lock wall. In some cases, communicationsinterface system includes a grounding rod positioned on a side of thesecond lock wall opposite the first lock wall, the grounding rodcontacting a grounding member of the communications module when theprotrusion is coupled with the aperture in the second lock wall. Theremovable communications module can have a release lever capable oftransitioning the latch mechanism between the locking configuration andthe released configuration, wherein transitioning the latch mechanism tothe released configuration when the latch mechanism is mated with thesecond retention structure un-mates the latch mechanism from the secondretention structure. In some cases, the latch mechanism is biased to thelocking configuration and the release lever includes a cam configured totransition the latch mechanism to the released configuration. In someembodiments, the communications interface system includes a lock wallseparating a first portion of the housing volume from a second portionof the housing volume, wherein the second retaining structure comprisesan aperture or indentation in the lock wall, wherein the release leveris hingedly attached to a top surface of the communications module,wherein rotation of the release lever away from the top of thecommunications module transitions the latch mechanism to the releasedstate, wherein further rotation of the release lever away from the topof the communications module brings the release lever into contact witha shoulder of the lock wall, and wherein still further rotation of therelease lever moves the second end of the communications module awayfrom the lock wall.

According to some variants, a communications interface system for alandscape control system includes an outer housing having a housingvolume. In some embodiments, the communications interface systemincludes a back plate mounted to the outer housing at least partiallywithin the housing volume and comprising a first lock wall and a secondlock wall. In some cases, the communications interface system includes aremovable communications module. The removable communications module caninclude a module housing having a first end, a second end, and aplurality of surfaces between the first end and the second end. In someembodiments, the removable communications module includes acommunication unit on or in the housing and configured to send data toor receive data from an external data source. In some cases, theremovable communications module includes a latch mechanism. Thecommunications interface system can include a first retaining structureon or in the first lock wall and capable of releasably mating with thecommunications module. In some cases, the communications interfacesystem includes a second retaining structure on or in the second lockwall and capable of releasably mating with the latch mechanism.

In some embodiments, the communications module comprises a protrusionextending from a first surface of the plurality of surfaces of themodule housing and configured to releasably mate with the firstretaining structure. In some cases, the latch mechanism includes a latchwhich extends from a second surface of the plurality of surfaces of themodule housing. In some embodiments, the communications module furthercomprises a circuit within the module housing and a grounding plateconnected to the circuit. In some cases, the communications interfacesystem includes a grounding rod positioned on a side of the first lockwall opposite the first lock wall, wherein the grounding plate contactsthe grounding rod and is biased toward the grounding rod when thecommunications module is coupled with the back plate.

According to some variants, a retention structure for a landscapingcontrol unit can include a coupling interface. The coupling interfacecan be positioned in a housing of the landscape control unit. In someembodiments, the coupling interface is configured to couple with theremovable component. In some embodiments, the retention structureincludes a coupling indicator. The coupling indicator can be positionedon a side of the coupling interface opposite the removable componentwhen a removable component is coupled with the coupling interface. Insome embodiments, the coupling indicator is capable of providing avisual signal to indicate complete coupling between the couplinginterface and the removable component.

In some embodiments, the retention structure comprises an aperture or aslot. In some cases, the coupling indicator comprises an indicator arm.The indicator arm can have a free end and a fixed end attached to thehousing. In some embodiments, the free end of the indicator arm isdeflected away from the coupling interface when the coupling interfaceis coupled with the removable component. In some embodiments, theretention structure includes indicator window through a wall of thelandscape control unit through which the indicator arm can be viewedfrom outside of the landscaping control unit. In some cases, theindicator arm includes at least one surface feature. The surface featurecan be hidden from view through the indicator window from outside thelandscaping control unit when the removable component is not fullycoupled with the coupling interface. In some embodiments, the surfacefeature is viewable through the indicator window from outside of thelandscaping control unit when the removable component is fully coupledwith the coupling interface. In some cases, the at least one surfacefeature comprises a surface having a color different from a color of thesurfaces of the indicator arm adjacent to the at least one surfacefeature. In some embodiments, the at least one surface feature is alight emitter. In some cases, the wall through which the indicatorwindow is positioned is substantially parallel to a direction ofdeflection of the free end of the indicator arm when the free end isdeflected away from a coupling surface when the coupling interface iscoupled with the removal component. In some embodiments, the retentionstructure further comprises a lock wall in the housing. The couplinginterface can be positioned on or in the lock wall.

According to some variants, a communications interface system for alandscape control system can include a housing. The housing can have alock wall. In some embodiments, the communications interface systemincludes a removable component. The removable component can include acoupling structure capable of removably coupling with the lock wall. Insome cases, the communications interface system includes a couplingindicator. The coupling indicator can be capable of providing a visualindicator when the removable component is completely coupled with thelock wall. In some embodiments, the coupling indicator comprises aresilient bar capable of deflecting away from the lock wall and theremovable component is fully coupled with the lock wall.

In some cases, the communications interface system further includes anaperture in the lock wall. The removable component can include a latchconfigured to releasably engage with the aperture in the lock wall. Insome cases, the latch extends into the aperture when the removablecomponent is fully coupled with the lock wall. In some embodiments, thelatch deflects the resilient bar of the coupling indicator away from thelock wall when a removable component is fully coupled with a lock wall.In some cases, the latch does not deflect the resilient bar of thecoupling indicator away from the lock wall when the removable componentis not fully coupled with the lock wall. In some embodiments, thecoupling indicator includes a protrusion which extends at leastpartially into the aperture when the latch is not engaged with theaperture in the lock wall. In some cases, the coupling indicator ismechanical and does not require electrical input to indicate when theremovable component is fully coupled with the lock wall. In someembodiments, the resilient bar includes a surface marking. The lock wallcan include a window through which the surface marking can be observedfrom outside of the housing when a removable component is fully coupledwith the lock wall. In some cases, the communications interface systemfurther includes a housing electrical connection positioned at leastpartially within the housing. In some cases, the removable componentincludes an electrical connection configured to electrically connectwith the housing electrical connection with the removable component isfully coupled with the lock wall. In some cases, the resilient barincludes a surface feature that is not visible from outside the housingunless the removable component is fully coupled with the lock wall.

According to some variants, a communications interface system for anirrigation control system can include a housing. In some cases, thecommunications interface system includes a back plate. The back platecan be connected to the housing. In some cases, the back plate has alock wall. In some embodiments, the communications interface system caninclude a removable component. The removable component can include acouplet structure capable of removably coupling with the lock wall. Insome cases, the communication interface system includes a couplingindicator. The coupling indicator can be capable of providing a visualindicator when the removable component is completely coupled with thelock wall. In some embodiments, the coupling indicator comprises aresilient bar capable of deflecting away from the removable componentwhen the removable component is fully coupled with the lock wall.

In some cases, the resilient bar has a first end connected to one ormore of the back plate in the housing. In some cases, the resilient barhas a second end positioned on a side of the lock wall opposite theremovable component when the removable component is coupled with thelock wall. In some embodiments, the resilient bar includes a first bentportion between the first end and the second end. In some cases, aportion of the resilient bar between the first bent portion and thesecond end of the resilient bar is configured to deflect away from theremovable component when a removable component is fully coupled with thelock wall. In some embodiments, the portion of the resilient bar betweenthe first bend portion and the send end of the resilient bar istransverse to the lock wall. In some cases, the lock wall furthercomprises a window through which at least a portion of the resilient barcan be viewed from outside of the housing.

According to some variants, a facepack for a landscaping control unitcan include a housing. The housing can have a first end and a secondend. In some embodiments, the housing has an interior and a plurality ofsides between the first end and the second end. In some cases, thefacepack includes an electronic display on the front panel. The facepackcan include at least one hinge pin. The at least one hinge pin can havea first end and a second end and can be positioned at least partiallywithin the interior of the facepack. In some cases, the at least onehinge pin is capable of transitioning between an extended position and aretracted position. The at least one hinge pin can have a mating tip onthe first end. The mating tip can have a polygonal cross section. Insome cases, the mating tip extends out from the interior of the facepackwhen the at least one hinge pin is in the extended position. In someembodiments, the mating tip is configured to deflect into the interiorof the facepack upon application of force upon the mating tip toward theinterior of the facepack.

In some cases, the facepack further includes a biasing structure whichbiases the at least one hinge pin to the extended position. The biasingstructure can be a spring. In some cases, the at least one hinge pinincludes a slot through a length of the hinge pin between the mating tipand the second end of the at least one hinge pin. The slot can form atrack along which the at least one hinge pin travels when transitioningbetween the extended position and the retracted position. In some cases,the at least one hinge pin includes a spring mounting post between theslot and the second end of the at least one hinge pin. In someembodiments, the facepack includes a retaining screw inserted into theslot. The biasing structure can be a spring with one end attached to thespring mounting post and the other end attached to the retaining screw.In some embodiments, the at least one hinge pin includes a lever betweenthe mating tip and the second end of the at least one hinge pin. Thelever can extend outward from the interior of the facepack. In someembodiments, application of force upon the lever in a direction awayfrom the mating tip transitions the at least one hinge pin to theretracted position. In some embodiments, the mating tip has a squarecross section. In some cases, the facepack includes an electricalconnector on a back panel capable of electrically connecting with anelectrical connector of a communications interface box.

According to some variants, a communications interface system for alandscape control system can include a housing defining a housingvolume. The communications interface system can include a facepack. Thefacepack can be capable of removably and hingedly connecting to thehousing. In some embodiments, the facepack has a first end and a secondend. The facepack can include a plurality of sides between the first endand the second end. In some embodiments, the facepack includes afacepack body between the first end and the second end. In some cases,the facepack includes a facepack interior between the first end and thesecond end. The facepack can include an electronic display on a frontside of the plurality of sides. In some embodiments, the facepackincludes at least one hinge pin having a first end and a second end. Insome embodiments, the at least one hinge pin is positioned at leastpartially within the facepack interior. The at least one hinge pin canhave a mating tip on the first end. The mating tip can be tapered towardthe first end of the at least one hinge pin. In some embodiments, themating tip has a polygonal cross section. The mating tip can extend outfrom the facepack interior from a side surface of the plurality ofsurfaces of the facepack. In some embodiments, the communicationsinterface system includes at least one flange. The flange can be capableof releasably mating with the at least one hinge pin of the facepack. Insome embodiments, the at least one flange comprises a recess having apolygonal cross section. The recess can be configured to releasablyreceive the mating tip of the at least one hinge pin.

In some embodiments, the facepack can rotate between a first stableposition and a second stable position when the facepack is connected tothe housing. In some cases, the facepack is rotationally stable in boththe first stable position and the second stable position. In someembodiments, the communications system includes a housing electricalconnection in the housing volume. The facepack can include an electricalconnection on the back side of the plurality of sides. In someembodiments, the electrical connection of the facepack is configured toelectrically connect to the housing electrical connection. In someembodiments, the electrical connection on the back side of the facepackis electrically connected to the housing electrical connection when thefacepack is in the first stable position. In some cases, the electricalconnection on the back side of the facepack is electrically disconnectedfrom the electrical connection in the housing volume when the facepackis in the second stable position. In some cases, the recess of the atleast one flange includes a plurality of tapered surfaces. In someembodiments, the mating tip of the at least one hinge pin includes aplurality of tapered surfaces meeting at a plurality of edges. Theplurality of tapered surfaces of the mating tip can be configured to fitflush with the tapered surfaces of the recess when the facepack is inthe first stable position and when the facepack is in the second stableposition. In some cases, rotation of the facepack away from the firststable position or away from the second stable position brings theplurality of edges into contact with the plurality of tapered surfacesof the recess of the at least one flange. Contact between the pluralityof edges in the plurality of tapered surfaces of the recess of the atleast one flange can deflect the mating tip away from the recess. Insome cases, the at least one flange comprises a tapered entry surfacethat deflects the mating tip toward the facepack interior as thefacepack is transition into connection with the housing. In someembodiments, the at least one flange includes two protrusions extendingfrom the tapered surface and spaced apart from each other. The twoprotrusions can inhibit misalignment between the mating tip and therecess as the facepack is transitioned into connection with the housing.In some embodiments, rotation of the facepack past the second stableposition with respect to the first stable position brings the second endof the facepack into contact with the housing. In some cases, furtherrotation of the facepack pushes the mating tip away from the recess ofthe at least one flange in a direction perpendicular to an axis ofrotation of the facepack.

According to some variants, a communications interface system for alandscape control system can include a housing defining housing volume.The communications interface system can include a back plate. The backplate can be connected to the housing. In some cases, the back plate ispositioned at least partially within the housing volume. The back platecan include a retention structure configured to releasably mate with oneor more removable components. In some cases, the communicationsinterface system includes a facepack. The facepack can be capable ofremovably and hingedly connecting to the housing. The facepack can havea first end and a second end. In some embodiments, the facepack has afacepack body. The facepack body can have a plurality of sides betweenthe first end and the second end. In some cases, the facepack has afacepack interior between the first end and the second end. In someembodiments, the facepack has at least one hinge pin. The at least onehinge pin can have a first end and a second end. In some embodiments,the at least one hinge pin is positioned at least partially within thefacepack interior. The at least one hinge pin can have a mating tip onthe first end. In some embodiments, the mating tip is tapered toward thefirst end of the at least one hinge pin. In some cases, the mating tiphas a polygonal cross section. The mating tip can extend out from thefacepack interior from a side surface of the plurality of surfaces ofthe facepack. In some embodiments, the communications interface systemincludes at least one recess configured to receive the mating tip of theat least one hinge pin. The at least one recess can have a polygonalcross section. In some cases, the facepack has a first stable positionand a second stable position when the facepack is connected to thehousing. The facepack can obstruct access to at least one of theretention structures of the back plate from outside the housing volumewhen the facepack is in the first stable position.

In some embodiments, the facepack can rotate between the first stableposition and the second stable position when the facepack is connectedto the housing. The facepack can be rotationally stable in both thefirst stable position and the second stable position. In some cases, thehousing includes a substantially planar base. The second end of thefacepack can be positioned away from the base with respect to the firstend of the facepack when the facepack is in the second stable position.In some embodiments, the communications interface includes a housingelectrical connection on one or more of the housing in the back plate.The facepack can include an electrical connection on the back side of aplurality of sides of the facepack body. The electrical connection canbe configured to releasably electrically connect with the housingelectrical connection. In some embodiments, the electrical connection onthe back side of the facepack body is connected to the housingelectrical connection when the facepack is in the first stable position.In some cases, the electrical connection on the back side of thefacepack body is not connected to the housing electrical connection whenthe facepack is in the second stable position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages are described belowwith reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate but notto limit the inventions. In the drawings, like reference charactersdenote corresponding features consistently throughout similarembodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of acommunications interface system with the facepack in a second stableposition.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 withthe facepack in a first stable position.

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 withthe facepack and communication module removed.

FIG. 1C illustrates a top plan view of another embodiment of acommunications interface system.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a communicationsmodule of FIG. 1

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the communications module of FIG.1, taken along the cut plane 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 1, taken alongthe cut plane 4-4 of FIG. 2, wherein communications module is partiallymated with another portion of the system.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 1, taken in thewindow 5 of FIG. 4, wherein communications module is partially matedwith another portion of the system.

FIG. 5A is a close-up cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 1,taken in the window 5 of FIG. 4 wherein the communications module isfully mated with another portion of the system.

FIG. 6 is a close-up cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 1, takenin the window 6 of FIG. 3B.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 1, taken alongthe cut plane 4-4 of FIG. 2, wherein communications module is fullymated with another portion of the system.

FIG. 8 is a close-up cross-sectional view of a release mechanism of thesystem of FIG. 1, taken in the window 8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a close-up cross-sectional view of the release mechanism ofFIG. 8, wherein a lever of the release mechanism is rotated to a secondposition.

FIG. 10 is a close-up cross-sectional view of the release mechanism ofFIG. 8, wherein a lever of the release mechanism is rotated to a thirdposition.

FIG. 11 is a close-up cross-sectional view of the release mechanism ofFIG. 8, wherein a lever of the release mechanism is rotated to a fourthposition.

FIG. 12 is a close-up cross-sectional view of a coupling indicator ofthe system of FIG. 1, taken in the window 12 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a facepack.

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the facepack of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of a hinge pin of the facepack of FIG.13.

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the hinge pin of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a rear plan view of the facepack of FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the facepack of FIG. 13, takenalong the cut plane 18-18 of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the facepack of FIG. 13, takenalong the cut plane 18-18 of FIG. 17, wherein the hinge pins are in asecond position.

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 1, taken alongthe cut plane 21-21 of FIG. 20.

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of a flange of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 22 is a close-up cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 1,taken within the window 22 of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a close-up cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 1,taken within the window 22 of FIG. 21, wherein the hinge pin ispartially mated with the flange.

FIG. 24 is a close-up cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 1,taken within the window 22 of FIG. 21, wherein the hinge pin is fullymated with the flange.

FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 1, taken alongthe cut plane 26-26 of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 1, taken alongthe cut plane 26-26 of FIG. 25, wherein the facepack is in a firstrotated position.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 1, taken alongthe cut plane 26-26 of FIG. 25, wherein the facepack is in a secondrotated position.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 1, taken alongthe cut plane 26-26 of FIG. 25, wherein the facepack is decoupled fromthe flanges.

FIG. 30 is a top, front and side perspective view of a communicationsmodule embodying a new design.

FIG. 31 is a top view of the communications module of FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a bottom view of the communications module of FIG. 30.

FIG. 33 is a first side view of the communications module of FIG. 30,the second side being a mirror image.

FIG. 34 is a front view of the communications module of FIG. 30.

FIG. 35 is a back view of the communications module of FIG. 30.

FIG. 36 is a top, front and side perspective view of the communicationsmodule of FIG. 30 with a lever in a raised position.

FIG. 37 is a top view of the communications module of FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is a bottom view of the communications module of FIG. 36.

FIG. 39 is a first side view of the communications module of FIG. 36,the second side being a mirror image.

FIG. 40 is a front view of the communications module of FIG. 36.

FIG. 41 is a back view of the communications module of FIG. 36.

FIG. 42 is a top, front and side perspective view of a communicationsmodule embodying a new design, the bottom, back, and side views beingthe same as those of the communications module of FIG. 30.

FIG. 43 is a top view of the communications module of FIG. 42.

FIG. 44 is a front view of the communications module of FIG. 42.

FIG. 45 is a top, front and side perspective view of a communicationsmodule embodying a new design, the bottom view being the same as thecommunications module of FIG. 30.

FIG. 46 is a top view of the communications module of FIG. 45.

FIG. 47 is a first side view of the communications module of FIG. 45,the second side being a mirror image.

FIG. 48 is a front view of the communications module of FIG. 45.

FIG. 49 is a back view of the communications module of FIG. 45.

FIG. 50 is a top, front and side perspective view of a communicationsmodule embodying a new design, the bottom view being the same as thecommunications module of FIG. 30.

FIG. 51 is a top view of the communications module of FIG. 50.

FIG. 52 is a first side view of the communications module of FIG. 50,the second side being a mirror image.

FIG. 53 is a front view of the communications module of FIG. 50.

FIG. 54 is a back view of the communications module of FIG. 50.

FIG. 55 is a top, front and side perspective view of a communicationsmodule embodying a new design.

FIG. 56 is a top view of the communications module of FIG. 55.

FIG. 57 is a bottom view of the communications module of FIG. 55.

FIG. 58 is a side view of the communications module of FIG. 55.

FIG. 59 is a side view of the communications module of FIG. 55 oppositethe side view of FIG. 58.

FIG. 60 is a front view of the communications module of FIG. 55.

FIG. 61 is a back view of the communications module of FIG. 55.

FIG. 62 is a top, front and side perspective view of a communicationsmodule embodying a new design.

FIG. 63 is a top view of the communications module of FIG. 62.

FIG. 64 is a bottom view of the communications module of FIG. 62.

FIG. 65 is a side view of the communications module of FIG. 62.

FIG. 66 is a side view of the communications module of FIG. 62 oppositethe side view of FIG. 65.

FIG. 67 is a front view of the communications module of FIG. 62.

FIG. 68 is a back view of the communications module of FIG. 62.

FIG. 69 is a top, front and side perspective view of a facepackembodying a new design.

FIG. 70 is a bottom, front and side perspective view of the facepack ofFIG. 69.

FIG. 71 is a top view of the facepack of FIG. 69.

FIG. 72 is a bottom view of the facepack of FIG. 69.

FIG. 73 is a side view of the facepack of FIG. 69.

FIG. 74 is a side view of the facepack of FIG. 69 opposite the side viewof FIG. 73.

FIG. 75 is a front view of the facepack of FIG. 69.

FIG. 76 is a back view of the facepack of FIG. 69.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Overview

In some cases, a landscape control system (e.g., a system forcontrolling irrigation and/or lighting) includes one or morecommunications interface systems 100. As illustrated in FIG. 1, thecommunications interface system 100 can include an enclosure or housing102. The housing 102 can be weather resistant and/or weatherimpermeable. In some embodiments, the communications interface system100 includes one or more removable components. For example, thecommunications interface system 100 can include one or more removablecommunications modules 104 and/or one or more facepacks 106. Thecommunications modules 104 and facepacks 106 can be configured toremovably couple with the housing 102. The housing 102 can be sizedand/or shaped to receive one or more communications modules 104 andfacepacks 106. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1C, the housing 102′of the communications interface system 100′ can include a plurality ofcommunications modules 104 and/or other removable components. The widthsof each of the plurality of removable components can be the same orvariable.

Returning to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the housing 102 includes abase 108. The base 108 can be attached to a lid 110 via, for example, ahinge 112 or other attachment structure. In some embodiments, thehousing 102 includes one or more locks 114. The lock 114 can include arotating arm 116. The housing 102 can include a locking flange 118configured to interfere with the rotating arm 116 when the lock 114 isset to a locked position.

The housing 102 (e.g., the base 108 and/or the lid 110) can include oneor more apertures 120 through one or more walls of the housing 102. Theapertures 120 can be sized and/or shaped to permit passage of wires orother structures through the walls of the housing 102. In someembodiments, the housing 102 includes one or more plugs 122 positionedin apertures 120. The plugs 122 can be configured to releasably engagewith the apertures 120 to close and/or seal the apertures 120. The plugs122 are preferably of the type disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/264,511, filed on Apr. 29, 2014, and entitled PLUGGING DEVICE,the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference andmade part of the present disclosure.

In some cases, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the housing 102 can includea back plate 124 attached to and positioned at least partially withinthe housing 102. In some embodiments, the back plate 124 is releasablyattached to the housing 102 via one or more tabs, clips, detents, orother connecting structures. The housing 102 and/or the back plate 124can include one or more retention structures. The retention structurescan be configured to facilitate fixed or removable coupling between thehousing 102 and the one or more removable components. For example, asdiscussed below, the back plate 124 or the housing 102 can include oneor more indentations, apertures, or other structural features configuredto releasably engage with portions of the one or more removablecomponents.

Communications Modules

As discussed above, the communications interface system 100 can includeone or more communications modules 104. Each of the communicationsmodules 104 can be configured to releasably couple with the housing 102and/or the back plate 124. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the one or morecommunications modules 104 can include a module housing 126. The modulehousing 126 can have a first end 128 and a second end 130. Thecommunications module 104 can include a communications unit 158positioned on or in the housing 126 of the communications module 104.The communications unit 158 can be, for example, a cellularcommunications unit (domestic and/or international), an Ethernetcommunications unit, a phone modem unit, a hardwire interface unit, aUHF radio communication unit, a 900 MHz spread spectrum radiocommunications unit, an 868 MHz spread spectrum radio communicationsunit, and/or some other communications unit. The communications unit 158may be a commercially available unit wherein the communications unit 158is mounted to the communications module 104. For example, thecommunications unit 158 can be a UHF radio unit, as shown incommunications module 104 b. Alternatively, the communications circuitrymay be constructed on the circuit board 170 of module 104, (see, e.g.,FIG. 3B).

As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the communications module 104 can include oneor more module electrical connectors 160. The one or more moduleelectrical connectors 160 can be configured to releasably electronicallycouple with one or more electrical connectors 162 in the housing 102and/or on the back plate 124.

One or more locking members can be positioned on or in the housing 126of the communications module 104. The locking members can be configuredto help maintain the communications module 104 in position within thehousing 102 when the communications module 104 is mated with the housing102. In some embodiments, one or more of the locking members cancomprise a protrusion or other surface structure on the module housing126. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the communications module104 can include a protrusion 132 on the first end 128 of the modulehousing 126. The protrusion 132 can be sized and/or shaped to interfacewith a retention structure (e.g., an aperture 134 in the back plate 124)of the back plate 124 and/or of the housing 102 when the communicationsmodule 104 is coupled with the back plate 124 or with the housing 102.

In some embodiments, the communications module 104 includes a latchmechanism 136. The latch mechanism 136 can be used to releasably connectthe communications module 104 to a portion of the housing 102. In someembodiments, the latch mechanism 136 is positioned at or near the secondend 130 of the module housing 126.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the back plate 124 can include a first lockwall 164. The first lock wall 164 can include a retention feature. Forexample, the first lock wall 164 can include the aperture 134 or someother aperture, slot, indentation, detent, or other retention feature.The aperture 134 can be sized and shaped to releasably couple with alocking member (e.g., the protrusion 132) of the communications module104.

In some embodiments, the communications interface system 100 includes agrounding member. For example, the housing 102 and/or the back plate 124can include a grounding rod 166. The grounding rod 166 can be positionedon a side of the first lock wall 164 opposite the communications module104 when the communications module 104 is coupled with the back plate124 and/or with the housing 102. In some embodiments, the grounding rod166 is conductively connected to a ground post (not shown) positionedadjacent to or behind the back plate 124 and/or behind the power hook upcover 125 (FIGS. 1-2).

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the communications module 104 caninclude a grounding member. The grounding member can be a plate (e.g.,the grounding plate 168). The grounding plate 168 can be constructedfrom a conductive and/or resilient material (e.g., a metal). In someembodiments, the grounding plate 168 is conductively connected to acircuit board 170 in or on the module housing 126. The grounding plate168 can be formed as a conductive leaf spring that, as illustrated inFIG. 3B, is spaced from the protrusion 132 on the first end 128 of themodule housing 126 when the communication module 104 is separated fromthe housing 102. Spacing the grounding plate 168 from the protrusion 132can bias the grounding plate 168 away from the protrusion 132 when theprotrusion 132 is inserted into the aperture 134. Biasing the groundingplate 168 away from the protrusion 132 can reduce the likelihood thatthe grounding plate 168 inadvertently disconnects from grounding rod 166when the communications module 104 is coupled with the housing 102and/or with the back plate 124. In some cases, the grounding plate 168is positioned to contact the grounding rod 166 when the communicationsmodule 104 is in the intermediate coupling position illustrated in FIG.4 (e.g., after the protrusion 132 is inserted into the aperture 134, butbefore the electrical connector 160 of the module housing 126 isconnected to the electrical connector 162 of the housing 102 and/or ofthe back plate 124). In some such embodiments, the likelihood ofungrounded electrical connection between the communications module 104and the housing 102 can be reduced or eliminated.

In some embodiments, biasing the grounding plate 168 away from theprotrusion 132 can help to secure the communications module 104 withinthe housing 102. For example, the bias of the grounding plate 168 canincrease friction between the communications module 104 and the housing102 and/or back plate 124 as illustrated in FIG. 5A. In someembodiments, the grounding plate 168 functions to increase frictionbetween the communications module 104 and the housing 102/back plate 124without grounding any portion of the communications module 104. Forexample, the grounding plate 168 can be non-conductive (e.g.,constructed from an insulator or other non-conductive material ormaterial having a low electrical conductivity). In some cases, thegrounding rod 166 can be positioned such that it does not contact thegrounding plate 168.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the latch mechanism 136 can include a latcharm 138. The latch arm 138 can have a fixed end 140 (e.g., with respectto the module housing 126) and a free or mobile end 142. In someembodiments, the latch arm 138 is integral with a portion of the modulehousing 126. In some cases, the latch arm 138 is attached to a portionof the module housing 126. The latch arm 138 can include a first armportion 144 extending from the fixed end 140 and a second arm portion146 connected to the first arm portion 144 via a bend 148. In somecases, the second arm portion 146 may be flexible. In some cases, thebend 148 may be flexible. In some embodiments, the free end 142 of thelatch arm 138 is biased away from the fixed end 140 when the latchmechanism 136 is installed on or in the communications module 104. Forexample, the latch arm 138 can be housed at least partially within themodule housing 126 in a compressed state such that the second armportion 146 is bent toward the first arm portion 144 about the bend 148.In some cases, one or more structural components of the communicationsmodule 104 interfere with movement of the free end 142 and/or of thesecond arm portion 146 away from the fixed end 140 when the latch arm138 is housed in the module housing 126. The latch arm 138 (e.g., thesecond arm portion 146) can include a latch protrusion 149. The latchprotrusion 149 can extend outward from the module housing 126 when thelatch mechanism 136 is in a locked position, as illustrated in FIG. 6.In some embodiments, as discussed below, the latch protrusion 149releasably engages with a retention structure of the housing 102 and/orof the back plate 124 when the communications module 104 is coupled withthe housing 102.

In some embodiments, the communications module 104 includes one or morerelease members. The one or more release members can be used to releasethe communications module 104 form the housing 102. In some cases, theone or more release members can be configured to transition one or moreof the locking members between a locked configuration and a releasedconfiguration. For example, the communications module 104 can include alever 150 configured to transition the latch mechanism 136 between alocking position (e.g., as seen in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 6) and a releasedposition (e.g., as seen in FIG. 9). The lever 150 can have a hinged end152 and a free end 154. The lever 150 can include a cam 156. In someembodiments, the cam 156 is positioned on or near the hinged end 152 ofthe lever 150. The cam 156 can be configured to move the latch mechanism136 from the locking position to the released position when the free end154 of the lever 150 is rotated about the hinged end 152 (e.g., when thefree end 154 is moved away from the module housing 126). For example,the cam 156 can move the free end 142 of the latch arm 138 toward aninterior of the module housing 126 when the lever 150 is rotated.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the back plate 124includes a second lock wall 172. The second lock wall 172 can be spacedfrom the first lock wall 164. For example, the second lock wall 172 canbe spaced from the first lock wall 164 at a distance similar to or thesame as the distance between the first and second end 128, 130 of themodule housing 126. The second lock wall 172 can include a retentionstructure. For example, the second lock wall 172 can include an aperture174, slot, indentation, detent, or other retention feature configured toreceive a portion of the communications module 104. In some embodiments,the second lock wall 172 extends above (e.g., away from the electricalconnector 162 with respect to) the aperture 174 or other retentionfeature but does not extend below the aperture 174 or other retentionfeature. For example, the second lock wall 172 can be positionedentirely above the aperture 174 or other retention feature while thespace below the aperture 174 or other retention feature does not includea wall.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the latch mechanism 136 can releasablycouple with the aperture 174 in the second lock wall 172 when thecommunications module 104 is fully coupled with the housing 102 and/orwith the back plate 124. For example, the second lock wall 172 candeflect the latch protrusion 149 toward an interior of the modulehousing 126 as the communications module 104 transitions from theintermediate position of FIG. 4 to the fully coupled position of FIG. 7.The latch protrusion 149 can be biased to deflect into the aperture 174after the latch protrusion 149 passes an upper portion of the lock wall172 (e.g., a portion of the lock wall 172 on the side of the aperture174 opposite the base 108 of the housing 102). Interaction between thelatch protrusion 149 and the lock wall 172 when the latch protrusion 149is positioned at least partially within the aperture 174 can inhibit orprevent inadvertent decoupling of the latch mechanism 136 from thehousing 102 and/or from the back plate 124.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the latch mechanism 136 can be decoupled fromthe second lock wall 172. For example, the lever 150 can be rotatedabout its hinged end 152 to rotate the cam 156. Rotation of the cam 156can push the free end 142 of the latch arm 138 toward an interior of themodule housing 126 and/or away from the second lock wall 172. Movementof the free end 142 of the latch arm 138 away from the second lock wall172 can remove the latch protrusion 149 from the aperture 174 of thesecond lock wall 172. Removal of the latch protrusion 149 from theaperture 174 can enable a user of the communications interface system100 to remove the communications module 104 from the housing 102.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, continued rotation of the lever 150away from the module housing 126 (e.g., clockwise in FIG. 10) prior toremoval of the communications module 104 from the housing 102 can bringthe lever into contact with the second lock wall 172 and/or with anotherportion of the housing 102 and/or the back plate 124. The portion of thehousing 102 and/or back plate 124 which the lever 150 contacts can serveas a fulcrum about which the module 104 can be lifted away from thehousing 102 and/or from the back plate 120. For example, furtherrotation of the lever 150 away from the module housing 126 after contactwith the housing 102 and/or the back plate 124 can move the modulehousing 126 away from the back plate 124 and/or the housing 102.

In some cases, rotation of the lever 150 can cause the lever 150 to comeinto contact with a first bend, corner, or radiused portion 175 a of thesecond lock wall 172. Still further rotation of the lever 150 away fromthe module housing 126 can bring the lever 150 into contact with a flatsection 175 b of the lock wall 172 and/or of the back plate 124. Asillustrated in FIG. 10, rotation of the lever 150 beyond contact withthe first radiused portion 175 a of the lock wall 172 can move themodule housing 126 away from the back plate 124. Still further rotationof the lever 150 can bring the lever 150 into contact with a secondbend, corner, or radiused portion 175 c of the second lock wall 172. Asillustrated in FIG. 11, the second radiused portion 175 c can act as afulcrum for the lever 150 to lift the module housing 126 away from theback plate 124 and/or from the housing 102 as the lever 150 is furtherrotated away from an upper surface of the module housing 126. Movementof the module housing 126 away from the back plate 124 and/or from thehousing 102 can disconnect the electrical connector 160 on the modulehousing 126 from the electrical connector 162 of the housing 102.Disconnection of the electrical connector 160 from the electricalconnector 162 can reduce the force required to lift the communicationsmodule 104 away from the housing 102 to remove the communications module104 from the housing 102. In some embodiments, movement of the modulehousing 126 away from the back plate 124 and/or from the housing 102 canfacilitate disconnection between portions of the module housing 126 andthe housing 102/back plate 124 which are friction fit or tightly fitwith each other.

Coupling Indicator

As illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 11 and 12, the communicationsinterface system 100 can include a coupling indicator 180. The couplingindicator 180 can be configured to provide visual and/or audible signalsto indicate connection and/or disconnection between the communicationsmodule 104 and the housing 102 or back plate 124. In some embodiments,the coupling indicator 180 can provide a signal indicating fullconnection between the electrical connector 160 of the module housing126 and the electrical connector 162 of the housing 102. In some cases,the coupling indicator 180 provides a signal indicating insertion of thelatch protrusion 149 into a retention structure of the housing 102and/or back plate 124 (e.g., the aperture 174).

The coupling indicator 180 can comprise an indicator arm 182. Theindicator arm 182 can have a fixed end 184 fixed to the housing 102and/or to the back plate 124. A free end 186 of the indicator arm 182can be positioned on a side of the second retention member (e.g., theaperture 174) opposite the communications module 104 when thecommunications module 104 is connected to the housing 102. In somecases, the free end 186 of the indicator arm 182 is biased toward theaperture 174.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 12, insertion of the latch protrusion 149into the aperture 174 can deflect the indicator arm 182 away from theaperture 174. For example, the latch protrusion 149 can contact theindicator arm 182 to push the indicator arm 182 away from the aperture.In some cases, the indicator arm includes an indicator protrusion 190extending toward and/or into the aperture 174. In some such cases, thelatch protrusion 149 can contact and push the indicator protrusion 190out from and away from the aperture 174 when the latch protrusion 149 isinserted into the aperture 174 when the communications module 104 iscoupled with the housing 102.

Referring back to FIGS. 11 and 12, the coupling indicator 180 caninclude one or more surface features 192 a, 192 b. The surface features192 a, 192 b can be positioned on the indicator arm 182 at or near thefree end 186 of the indicator arm 182. In some embodiments, the surfacefeatures 192 a, 192 b comprises colored surfaces, roughened surfaces,light emitting features, and/or words or other images on the surface ofthe indicator arm 182. The housing 102 and/or back plate 124 can includea window 194 through which the surface features 192 a, 192 b can beviewed from outside of the housing 102.

In some embodiments, the coupling indicator 180 is sized and positionedsuch that a first surface feature 192 a is shown through the window 194when the communications module 104 is disconnected from the housing 102.The first surface feature 192 a can comprise a red surface color orlabel. In some embodiments, the indicator arm 182 includes a secondsurface feature 192 b that is visible through the window 194 when theindicator arm 182 is deflected away from the aperture 174 (e.g., whenthe latch protrusion 149 is fully inserted into the aperture 174). Thesecond surface feature 192 can comprise a green surface color or label.In some cases, a user of the communications interface system 100 canconfirm full insertion of the communications module 104 into the housing102 (e.g., full connection) when the second surface feature 192 b isviewed through the window 194.

The indicator bar 182 can include a bend 196. In some embodiments, theone or more surface features 192 a, 192 b are positioned on theindicator bar 182 between the bend 196 and the free end 186 of theindicator bar 182. In some embodiments, the portion of the indicator bar182 on which the surface features 192 a, 192 b are located is transverseto or perpendicular to the portion of the indicator bar 182 which iscontacted by the latch protrusion 149 when the communications module 104is connected to the housing 102. In some such embodiments, the surfacefeatures 192 a, 192 b can be viewed from a viewing angle transverse toor perpendicular to the direction of deflection of the indicator bar 182when the communications module 104 is connected to the housing 102. Forexample, the indicator bar 182 can be deflected away from the secondlock wall 172 (e.g., up and down in FIG. 11) when the communicationsmodule 104 is connected to the housing 102 while the surface features192 a, 192 b are viewed from the left (e.g., from a point closer to thetop of FIG. 11).

In some cases, the coupling indicator 180 is configured to indicateconnection between the communications module 104 (or other componentonto which the coupling indicator 180 is installed) and the housing102/back plate 124 only when the communications module is fullymechanically connected, not when partial mechanical connection isestablished. For example, the coupling indicator 180 can be calibratedto indicate connection between the communications module 104 and thehousing 102 only when the latch protrusion 149 is fully inserted intothe aperture 174 or other retention feature. In some cases, the couplingindicator 180 will not indicate full mechanical connection, even ifelectrical connection between the module electrical connector 160 andthe electrical connector 162 is established.

Facepack

The communications interface system 100 can include one or morefacepacks 106. Each facepack 106 can include one or more user inputfeatures (e.g., buttons, knobs, touchscreens, etc.) to facilitate usercontrol of the interface system 100 or other landscape features. In someembodiments, the facepacks 106 are removable from the housing 102. Insome cases, the facepacks 106 cover and/or protect other componentswithin the housing 102 when the facepacks 106 are installed in or on thehousing 102. FIGS. 69-76 illustrate various views of an embodiment of afacepack. Buttons, wired electrical ports and an SD slot, among otherfeatures are shown in broken lines to illustrate that they may or maynot be present and that their position, orientation, shape, style,number, etc. can be different according to the different embodiments.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the facepack 106 can include a facepackhousing 202. One or more micro controllers and/or other electroniccomponents (not shown) can be housed within the facepack housing 202.The facepack housing 202 can have a first end 204 and a second end 206.In some embodiments, the facepack 106 has a display 208 on a front side209 of the facepack 106. The display 208 can be, for example, an LCDscreen, an LED screen, a capacitive touch screen, a conductive touchscreen, and/or any other appropriate display. The front side 209 of thefacepack 106 can include one or more input members 210 (e.g., buttons,knobs, or other input structures). In some embodiments, the display 208is configured to operate as an input member. In some embodiments, thefacepack 106 includes one or more connector ports (not shown) on thefront side 209, a back side 224, the first end 204, the second end 206,and/or the lateral sides of the facepack housing 202. The one or moreconnector ports can facilitate direct connection between the facepack106 and one or more landscape hardware components.

Hinge Pins

The facepack 106 or other removable module (e.g., communication module104) can include one or more hinge pins 212. The hinge pins 212 canfacilitate rotation of the facepack 106 between two or more positionswhen the facepack 106 is connected to the housing 102 and/or to the backplate 124. In some embodiments, the facepack 106 includes one hinge pin212 on each lateral side of the facepack 106. In some embodiments, thehinge pins 212 are positioned near the first end 204 of the facepackhousing 202. For example, the hinge pins 212 can be positioned on thelateral sides of the facepack 106 less than 40%, less than 35%, lessthan 25%, less than 20%, less than 10%, and/or less than 5% of thedistance between the first end 204 of the facepack 106 and the secondend 206 of the facepack 106.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14-16, the hinge pins 212 can include a matingtip 214. The mating tip 214 can have a polygonal cross-section. In someembodiments, the mating tip 214 is tapered. The hinge pins 212 caninclude a first end 216 and a second end 218. The mating tip 214 can beon the first end 216 of the hinge pin. The mating tip 214 can have aplurality of tapered mating tip surfaces 215. The plurality of matingtip surfaces 215 can be joined to each other at a plurality of edges 217or corners. The edges 217 are positioned further from a centerline ofthe mating tip 214 (e.g., a centerline passing through the first andsecond ends 216, 218 of the hinge pins 212) than the mating tip surfaces215. The hinge pins 212 can be positioned at least partially within thehousing 202.

In some embodiments, the hinge pins 212 include a slot 226 extendingthrough at least a portion of the hinge pins 212 between the first andsecond ends 216, 218. The slot 226 can be sized and shaped to receive aspring 228 (e.g., a tension spring or a compression spring) or otherbiasing structure. In some embodiments, the hinge pins 212 include aspring mounting post 230 or other spring-retaining structure.

As illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, the spring 228 can be attached to thespring mounting post 230 when the hinge pins 212 are installed in thefacepack housing 202. In some cases, another portion of the spring 228can be attached to a spring retention screw 232. For example, a springretention screw 232 can be inserted through the facepack housing 202(e.g., through the back side 224) and spaced apart from the springretention post 230. In some embodiments, the spring retention screw 232is positioned between the spring retention post 230 and the mating tip214 of the hinge pin 212. Tension in the spring 228 can pull the springretention post 230 toward the spring retention screw 232. The mating tip214 can be configured to transition between an extended position (FIG.14) and a retracted position (FIG. 19). The pulling/biasing forceprovided by the spring 228 on the spring retention post 230 can bias themating tip 214 to the extended position. In some embodiments, the matingtip 214 moves into the facepack housing 202 or at least partially intothe facepack housing 202 when transitioning to the retracted positionand the mating tip 214 extends out from the facepack housing 202 when inthe extended position.

In some embodiments, the hinge pins 212 include a protrusion 220 orother user input structure. As illustrated in FIGS. 17-19, theprotrusion 220 can be sized and positioned to be accessible by a user ofthe facepack 106 from outside of the facepack housing 202. For example,the protrusion 220 can extend through a slot 222 on a back side 224 ofthe facepack 106. In some embodiments, application of force upon theprotrusions 220 in a direction opposite the biasing force of the spring228 can transition the hinge pins 212 from the extended position to theretracted position.

As illustrated in FIGS. 20-22, the housing 102 and/or the back plate 124can include one or more pin-receiving structures, such as one or morepin-receiving flanges 234. In some cases, the communications module 104includes one or more pin-receiving flanges 234. The flanges 234 can beconfigured to rotatably and removably receive the one or more hinge pins112 of the facepack 106. For example, the flanges 234 can include arecess 236 having a polygonal cross-section. The polygonal cross-sectionof the recess 236 can be configured to match or substantially match thepolygonal cross-section of the mating tip 214. In some embodiments, therecesses 236 can each include a plurality of tapered mating surfaces238. For example, when the polygonal cross-section of the recess 236 isa square, the recess 236 can include four tapered mating surfaces 238.

In some embodiments, the flanges 234 include a sloped guidance surface244. The guidance surface 244 can have a slope that matches orsubstantially matches the tapered slope of the tapered mating tipsurfaces 215. In some cases, the flanges 234 include one or morealignment structures configured to reduce the likelihood of misalignmentbetween the mating tips 214 of the hinge pins 212 and the flanges 234 asthe mating tips 214 are coupled with the recesses 236. For example, theflanges can include protrusions 246 (e.g., two protrusions) extendingfrom the guidance surface 244. The protrusions 246 can align the matingtips 214 with the recesses 236 as the mating tips 214 are transitionedinto the recesses 236.

The flanges 234 can extend from the back plate 124 and/or from thehousing 102. In some embodiments, the flanges 234 include a connectionmember such as a connection post 240. The connection post 240 can beconfigured to frictionally couple with an aperture or indentation in thehousing 102 and/or in the back plate 124. In some embodiments, a flangeretention fastener 242 can be inserted through a portion of the housing102 and/or back plate 124 into the connection post 240. The flangeretention fastener 242 can inhibit or prevent the flange 234 fromdisconnecting from the housing 102 and/or from the back plate 124.

The facepack 106 can be mated with the housing 102 by fitting the matingtips 214 of the hinge pins 212 with the recesses 236 of the flanges 234.As described above, a user of the communications interface system 100can deflect one or more of the hinge pins 212 to the retracted positionby applying a force against the protrusion 220 in a direction oppositethe biasing direction of the spring 228. The user can then position thehinge pins 212 in alignment with the recesses 236. Transition of thehinge pins 212 to the extended position (e.g., by releasing theuser-applied force on the protrusions 220) when the hinge pins 212 arealigned with the recesses 236 can permit the mating tips 214 of thehinge pins to mate with the recesses 236. In some cases, the user caninsert the mating tip 214 of one of the hinge pins 212 into a recess 236while the hinge pin 212 is in the extended position. The user cantransition the other hinge pin 212 to the retracted position and thenalign the other hinge pin with the unmated recess 236.

As illustrated in FIGS. 21-24, the mating tips 214 of one or more of thehinge pins 212 can be fitted with the recesses 236 of the flanges 234without applying force on the protrusions 220. For example, one of themating tip surfaces 215 of each of the hinge pins 212 can be moved intocontact with the sloped guidance surfaces 244 of the flanges 234. Acoupling force 248 upon the facepack 206 toward the flanges 234 can betranslated into a retracting force (e.g., a force in the directionopposite the biasing force of the spring 228) via the angled interactionbetween the mating tip surface 215 of the hinge pin 212 and the slopedguidance surfaces 244. As seen in FIG. 23, the mating tip 214 can bedeflected toward an interior of the facepack housing 202 as the facepack106 is moved toward the housing 102. Further movement of the facepack106 toward the housing 102 can align the hinge pins 212 with therecesses 236 and permit the mating tips 214 to mate with the recesses236, as illustrated in FIG. 24.

In some cases, the facepack 106 is rotatable about the hinge pins 212between two or more stable positions when the facepack 106 is mated withthe housing 102. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 24-26, thefacepack 106 can mate with the housing 102 in a first stable positionwherein the mating tip surfaces 244 are flush with the tapered matingsurfaces 238 of the recesses 236. In the first stable position, thefacepack housing 202 can be positioned substantially parallel to thebase 108 of the housing 102 (e.g., the facepack housing 202 can liesubstantially flat with respect to the base 108). In some embodiments,the facepack 106 can inhibit or prevent inadvertent removal of one ormore of the communications modules 104 from the housing 102. Forexample, the facepack 106 can overlay at least a portion of one or moreof the communications modules 104 when the facepack 106 is in the firststable position. In some embodiments, an electrical connector 225 on theback side 224 of the facepack housing 202 is connected to a facepackelectrical connector 227 of the housing 102 when the facepack 106 is inthe first stable position.

The facepack 106 can be rotated about the hinge pins 212 (e.g., awayfrom the housing 102) to a second stable position, as illustrated inFIG. 27. In some cases, the facepack 106 can be mated to the housing 102in the second stable position. The facepack 106 can be electricallydisconnected from the housing 102 when the facepack 106 is rotated awayfrom the first stable position. The facepack housing 202 can extendsubstantially perpendicularly from the housing base 108 of the housing102 when the facepack 106 is in the second stable position. In somecases, the mating tip surfaces 244 are flush with the tapered matingsurfaces 238 of the recesses 236 when the facepack 106 is in the secondstable position. In some embodiments, the biasing force provided by thespring 228 is sufficient to maintain the facepack 106 in the secondstable position via interaction between the mating tip surfaces 244 andthe tapered mating surfaces 238. In some embodiments, one or more of thecommunications modules 104 a-c can be inserted into or removed from thehousing 102 when the facepack 106 is in the second stable positionwithout removing facepack 106 from the housing 102 (e.g., withoutdisconnecting the facepack 106 from the housing 102).

In some embodiments, the hinge pins 212 can be deflected toward thefacepack housing 202 when the facepack 106 is rotated outside of the oneor more stable positions. For example, rotation of the facepack 106about the hinge pins 212 away from a stable position can move the edges217 of the mating tip surfaces 215 into contact with the tapered matingsurfaces 238 of the recesses 236. Moving the edges 217 into contact withthe tapered mating surfaces 238 deflects the mating tip 214 toward thefacepack housing 202. For example, as explained above, the edges 217 arepositioned further from the a centerline of the mating tips 214 and arepushed toward a wider portion of the recesses 236, closer to thefacepack housing 202, when the edges 217 are brought into contact withthe tapered mating surfaces 238 of the recesses 236.

As illustrated in FIGS. 27-29, rotation of the facepack 106 past thesecond stable position, with respect to the first stable position, canbring a portion of the first end 204 of the facepack housing 202 intocontact with a lip 250 or other structure of the housing 102. In someembodiments, the first end 204 of the facepack housing 202 contacts thehousing 202 when the facepack 106 is in the second stable position.Still further rotation of the facepack 106 after the first end 204 ofthe facepack housing 202 contacts the housing 102 can pull the matingtips 214 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of thehinge pins 212. Interaction between the edges 217/mating tip surfaces215 and the tapered mating surfaces 238 can translate at least a portionof the pulling force applied to the mating tips 214 into a forceparallel to the axis of rotation of the hinge pins 212 toward thefacepack housing 202. Such force translation can transition the hingepins 212 to the retracted position. Transition of the hinge pins 212 tothe retracted position can facilitate removal of the hinge pins 212 fromthe flanges 234, as illustrated in FIG. 29. Additionally oralternatively, a user of the communications interface system 100 cantransition one or more of the hinge pins 212 to the retracted positionvia applying force on the protrusions 220, as described above.

FIGS. 30-68 illustrate various embodiments of communications moduleshaving various wired and/or wireless communications units among otherdifferences. Various attributes of the communications modules are shownin broken lines to illustrate that they may or may not be present andthat their position, orientation, shape, style, number, etc. can bedifferent according to the different embodiments. For example, FIGS.55-61 show a UHF module with a partially exposed radio in broken lines.The radio is shown in broken lines to indicate that the style of radiomay differ. It will be understood that any number of different styles,sizes, etc. of radio can be received into the UHF module. As anotherexample, FIGS. 62-68 show almost the entire communications module inbroken lines. The protrusion, latch mechanism, and lever are shown insolid lines. It will be understood that any number of differentcommunications modules, or other devices can be received into thehousings 102 disclosed herein using these features. Thus, these featurescan be used on other devices with different shapes and purposes. At thesame time, it will be understood that devices are not limited to thedisclosed shapes and relationships to be able to connect to the housings102 disclosed herein.

The terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally” and “substantially” asused herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that stillperforms a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example,the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” mayrefer to an amount that is within less than 10% of the stated amount.

Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certainpreferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond thespecifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodimentsand/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalentsthereof In addition, while a number of variations of the inventions havebeen shown and described in detail, other modifications, which arewithin the scope of these inventions, will be readily apparent to thoseof skill in the art based upon this disclosure. For example, the housing102 may not include a lid 110. In some such cases, the facepack 106 cancover all or most of the base 108 of the housing 102. In some cases, thecross-section of the mating tips 214 is symmetric about a centerline ofthe mating tips 214 and, in some cases, the cross-section of the matingtips 214 is asymmetric about the centerline of the mating tips 214.

In some embodiments, one or more of the communications modules 104includes one or more hinge pins which are similar to or the same as thehinge pins 212 described above. For example, a communications module 104can include a pair of hinge pins on opposite sides of the communicationsmodule 104 at or near the first end 128 of the module housing 126 and/orat or near the second end 130 of the module housing 126. The housing 102and/or back plate 124 can include recesses similar or the same as therecesses 236 described above and configured to releasably receive thehinge pins of the communications module 104.

In some cases, one or more of the facepacks 106 includes a releasesystem similar to or the same as the latch mechanism 136 describedabove. In some embodiments, one or more of the facepacks 106 includes acoupling indicator similar to or the same as the coupling indicator 180described above. The coupling indicator of the facepack 106 can beconfigured to indicate electrical and/or mechanical coupling between thefacepack 106 and the housing 102/back plate 124. In some cases, acoupling indicator as described above can be used with other removablemodules in addition to or as an alternative to the facepack 106 and/orthe communications module 104. In some embodiments, the facepack 106includes a grounding rod and/or grounding plate (e.g., similar to or thesame as the grounding plate 168 described above) configured toconductively mate with a grounding portion.

It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations ofthe specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made andstill fall within the scope of the inventions. Accordingly, it should beunderstood that various features and aspects of the disclosedembodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in orderto form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intendedthat the scope of the present inventions herein disclosed should not belimited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, butshould be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

Similarly, this method of disclosure, is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that any claim require more features than areexpressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than allfeatures of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claimsfollowing the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporatedinto this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as aseparate embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A communications module for a landscape controlcommunications system, the communications module comprising: a housinghaving a first end, a second end, and a plurality of sides between thefirst end and the second end; a communication unit on or in the housingand configured to send data to or receive data from an external datasource; a first locking member at a first side of the plurality ofsides, the first locking member configured to releasably engage with aportion of a communications interface system; a second locking member ata second side of the plurality of sides, the second locking memberhaving a released position and a locking position to connect thecommunications module to the communications interface system, whereinthe second locking member is biased to the locking position; and arelease member positioned on the housing and configured to transitionthe second locking member between the released position and the lockingposition, the release member comprising a lever hingedly connected to asurface of the housing and configured to transition the second lockingmember to the released configuration when the lever is rotated withrespect to the housing.
 2. The communications module of claim 1, furthercomprising a circuit board within the housing and a grounding member atthe first side of the housing, the grounding member connected to thecircuit board.
 3. The communications module of claim 2, wherein thegrounding member is a metallic plate extending from the first side ofthe housing between a top side of the housing and the first lockingmember.
 4. The communications module of claim 1, wherein the releasemember comprises a cam which moves the second locking member to thereleased position when the release member is rotated away from thehousing.
 5. The communications module of claim 1, wherein the releasemember comprises a hinged connection end and a free end, and wherein thefree end is biased toward the housing.
 6. The communications module ofclaim 1, further comprising an electrical connector configured toreleasably connect with an electrical connector in a communicationsinterface system.
 7. The communications module of claim 1, wherein aportion of the second locking member extends out from the housing whenthe second locking member is in the locking position.
 8. Thecommunications module of claim 1, wherein the second locking membercomprises a flexible portion, a locking arm extending from the bentportion, and a latch extending from the locking arm, wherein the latchprotrudes from the housing when the second locking member is in thelocking position and wherein the flexible portion biases the latchtoward the locking position.
 9. A communications interface system for alandscape control system, the communications interface systemcomprising: an outer housing having a housing volume; a removablecommunications module having: a module housing having a first end, asecond end, and a plurality of surfaces between the first end and thesecond end; a communication unit on or in the housing and configured tosend data to or receive data from an external data source; and a latchmechanism configured to transition between a locking configuration and areleased configuration, at least a portion of the latch mechanismextending from a surface of the module housing when the latch mechanismis in the locking configuration; a first retaining structure in thehousing volume capable of releasably mating with the communicationsmodule; and a second retaining structure spaced from the first retainingstructure in the housing volume and capable of releasably mating withthe latch mechanism.
 10. The communications interface system of claim 9,further comprising a lock wall separating a first portion of the housingvolume from a second portion of the housing volume, wherein the secondretaining structure comprises an aperture or indentation in the lockwall.
 11. The communications interface system of claim 9, furthercomprising an electrical connector in the housing volume capable ofreleasably mating with an electrical connector on the communicationsmodule.
 12. The communications interface system of claim 9, furthercomprising a second lock wall, wherein the first retaining structurecomprises an aperture in the second lock wall.
 13. The communicationsinterface system of claim 12, wherein the communications modulecomprises a protrusion extending from one of the surfaces of the modulehousing and configured to releasably couple with the aperture in thesecond lock wall.
 14. The communications interface system of claim 13,further comprising a grounding rod positioned on a side of the secondlock wall opposite the first lock wall, the grounding rod contacting agrounding member of the communications module when the protrusion iscoupled with the aperture in the second lock wall.
 15. Thecommunications interface system of claim 9, wherein the removablecommunications module further has a release lever capable oftransitioning the latch mechanism between the locking configuration andthe released configuration, and wherein transitioning the latchmechanism to the released configuration when the latch mechanism ismated with the second retention structure unmates the latch mechanismfrom the second retention structure.
 16. The communications interfacesystem of claim 15, wherein the latch mechanism is biased to the lockingconfiguration and wherein the release lever includes a cam configured totransition the latch mechanism to the released configuration.
 17. Thecommunications interface system of claim 15, further comprising a lockwall separating a first portion of the housing volume from a secondportion of the housing volume, wherein the second retaining structurecomprises an aperture or indentation in the lock wall, wherein therelease lever is hingedly attached to a top surface of thecommunications module, wherein rotation of the release lever away fromthe top of the communications module transitions the latch mechanism tothe released state, wherein further rotation of the release lever awayfrom the top of the communications module brings the release lever intocontact with a shoulder of the lock wall, and wherein still furtherrotation of the release lever moves the second end of the communicationsmodule away from the lock wall.
 18. A communications interface systemfor a landscape control system, the communications interface systemcomprising: an outer housing having a housing volume; a back platemounted to the outer housing at least partially within the housingvolume and comprising a first lock wall and a second lock wall; aremovable communications module having: a module housing having a firstend, a second end, and a plurality of surfaces between the first end andthe second end; a communication unit on or in the housing and configuredto send data to or receive data from an external data source; and alatch mechanism; a first retaining structure on or in the first lockwall and capable of releasably mating with the communications module;and a second retaining structure on or in the second lock wall andcapable of releasably mating with the latch mechanism.
 19. Thecommunications interface system of claim 18, wherein the communicationsmodule comprises a protrusion extending from a first surface of theplurality of surfaces of the module housing and configured to releasablymate with the first retaining structure.
 20. The communicationsinterface system of claim 19, wherein the latch mechanism includes alatch which extends from a second surface of the plurality of surfacesof the module housing.
 21. The communications interface system of claim19, wherein the communications module further comprises a circuit withinthe module housing and a grounding plate connected to the circuit. 22.The communications interface system of claim 21, further comprising agrounding rod positioned on a side of the first lock wall opposite thefirst lock wall, wherein the grounding plate contacts the grounding rodand is biased toward the grounding rod when the communications module iscoupled with the back plate.
 23. The communications interface system ofclaim 18, wherein the removable communications module includes ahardwire interface unit.